Impact of labor and delivery simulation classes in undergraduate medical learning

INTRODUCATION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on knowledge and learner satisfaction of adding a labour and delivery simulator-based training module versus a self-study session to the pre-existing theoretical class, in the 5(th) year undergraduate medical curriculum.

One hundred and fifty seven students attending the 5-week Obstetrics and Gynecology rotation were enrolled, and 107 completed the study. After a 90-minute "labour and delivery" theoretical interactive class, students were randomized to two groups: the first (n = 56) participated in a 30-minute supervised self-study session, while the second (n = 51) attended a 20-30 minute delivery simulator session. Tests consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions were taken before the theoretical class (pre-test), after the self-study or simulation session (1(st) post-test) and 12-15 days later (2(nd) post-test). A subgroup of 53 students participating in this study (27 from the simulation and 26 from the self-study arm) answered six additional questions on satisfaction with the learning experience, at the time of the 1(st) post-test. Wilcoxon paired rank sum test, Wilcoxon T test, and z-statistic with continuity correction were employed for statistical analysis, setting significance at p < 0.05.

Pre-test scores were similar in both groups (p = 0.9567), but in the first post-test they were significantly higher in the simulation group (p = 0.0017). In the 2(nd) post-test, scores were again similar in both groups (p = 0.2204). Satisfaction was significantly higher in the simulation group (p < 0.0001).

Adding a simulator-based training session for medical students in management of labour and delivery to the theoretical class led to a higher short-term increase in knowledge and student satisfaction than attending a self-study session. Significant differences in knowledge were no longer demonstrable at 12-15 days.